Renowned drama minister and founder of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, Mike Bamiloye, has shared a transformative story of obedience and divine purpose that led him to abandon secular writing and dedicate his literary talents entirely to gospel ministry. His journey underscores the profound impact of aligning one’s gifts with God’s will, a theme that resonates deeply with believers worldwide.
A Divine Encounter: The Beginning of a New Path
Mike Bamiloye recounted his life-changing experience on his Facebook page, reflecting on the pivotal year of 1982. At the time, he was 22 years old and deeply engrossed in secular writing, producing drama scripts and novels that, while moral, lacked spiritual depth.
The turning point came during a church convention where a famous worship minister’s performance left a lasting impression on him. Standing outside the packed church building, Bamiloye was overcome by the presence of God as the minister sang.
“The anointing that morning was so heavy upon the congregation. I began to sob in tears and pray: ‘Lord, You are using a woman, use me too. I want to serve You. Use me too,’” he recounted.
In that moment of fervent prayer, Bamiloye heard God’s voice:
“I will use you if you surrender your gift at My feet.”
This divine instruction marked the beginning of an internal struggle to align his passion for writing with God’s purpose for his life.
The Struggle to Surrender
Despite the clear call to dedicate his writing to God, Bamiloye admitted that obeying was not easy. He likened his attachment to secular writing to an addiction, finding it difficult to abandon the scripts he had poured his creativity into.
In an attempt to reconcile his faith with his work, he tried adapting biblical stories into secular themes. However, this compromise did not bring peace. God’s disapproval, he said, was evident.
The breaking point came in a dream where Bamiloye received a stern warning to withdraw his scripts from publishers. God revealed that these works could jeopardize the future of his ministry. This revelation prompted him to act decisively, retrieving the scripts despite opposition from a publisher who saw no harm in them.
“That was the contention—my gift, my talents. I was a gifted writer. But the Lord was telling me to stop using my writing gift to produce whatever I liked. He wanted me to use it for His glory alone,” Bamiloye explained.
A Covenant with God: The Birth of Gospel Drama Ministry
Bamiloye’s surrender of his literary talents marked a turning point in his life and ministry. He made a covenant with God to use his gifts exclusively for His glory, a decision that laid the foundation for his work as a gospel drama minister.
“I heard Him telling me to go and pack all those uninspiring, non-spiritual drama and novel scripts aside and abandon them. He promised to use me beyond my wildest dreams if I committed to writing for Him alone,” he said.
This obedience led to the establishment of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, a ministry that has since become a beacon of hope and inspiration in Christian drama and film across Nigeria and beyond.
A Message to Believers: Use Your Gifts for God’s Glory
Through his testimony, Mike Bamiloye urged others to dedicate their God-given talents to Kingdom purposes rather than personal or worldly gratification. He emphasized that every gift, whether in writing, music, art, or any other field, is a divine endowment meant to glorify God and serve His purposes.
“Your gifts are not just for entertainment or self-promotion. They are tools for impacting lives and expanding God’s Kingdom. Surrender them at His feet, and He will use them beyond your imagination,” he encouraged.
The Power of Obedience: Lessons from Bamiloye’s Story
Mike Bamiloye’s journey offers profound lessons for believers struggling to align their passions with God’s will:
- Obedience Unlocks Purpose: Surrendering to God’s call often requires sacrifice, but it paves the way for a life of purpose and fulfillment.
- God’s Glory Over Personal Gain: Talents should be used to glorify God, not for self-promotion or worldly ambitions.
- The Struggle is Part of the Process: Wrestling with surrender is natural, but God’s grace is sufficient to guide us through.
- Divine Warning Shouldn’t Be Ignored: Prompt obedience to God’s instructions can protect and preserve one’s destiny.
Impact of Bamiloye’s Ministry
Since surrendering his writing gift to God, Mike Bamiloye has been at the forefront of gospel drama and filmmaking in Africa. His ministry has inspired countless people, spreading the message of salvation and hope through faith-based films and plays.
Through Mount Zion Faith Ministries, he has produced numerous impactful dramas, including Agbara Nla and The Train, which have touched lives globally. His obedience to God’s call has set a standard for gospel creatives, demonstrating the power of using talents for divine purposes.
Conclusion: A Call to Surrender
Mike Bamiloye’s story is a testament to the transformative power of obedience and the blessings that come from aligning one’s gifts with God’s purpose. His journey challenges all believers to examine how they are using their talents and to consider dedicating them to the advancement of God’s Kingdom.
As Bamiloye’s life shows, surrendering to God may not be easy, but it is always worth it.
